1948 Lea-Francis Fourteen

The LeaFrancis Company was established in 1895, building bicycles. Horseless carriages built under license to Singer followed in 1903 and motorcycles in 1911. During its lifespan, the company produced over 10,000 vehicles.

After World War II ended, the Lea-Francis company began producing the Twelve and Fourteen. The Fourteen produced a series of four-door saloons that had styling similar to the pre-war cars. In the front was an upright vertical-bar grille and headlamps mounted separately. The doors were rear-hinged, 'suicide' style doors that had no vent panes.

In 1947, the company introduced the Mark II, which was nearly identical to the Mark I, except that it now had a single beltline for the bodyside. Also, a new fixed-head coupe with a body by Westland was added to the line-up.

The MK III was introduced in 1948 and was very similar in appearance to the MKII. A Deluxe version could be purchased, which included a radio, heater, and air conditioner.

In 1951, Lea-Francis introduced a restyled Fourteen four-door saloon, though its appearance remained similar to the prior models. The four-cylinder engine powering the car displaced 107.8 cubic inches and produced 65 horsepower.

Late in 1952, the Fourteen received full hydraulic brakes as standard equipment, replacing the former hydro-mechanical system.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2011